Heritage Cromwell: A picturesque gem just outside Queenstown

By Sam Downing| 2 years ago

Image: Sam Downing

Think of the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island and your mind probably goes straight to skiing and snowboarding.

And it's true there are plenty of drawcards here in winter, including the fields around the Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona. But if you're visiting at another time of year — or if you're just not a snow-lover — there's still loads to see and do.

My hub in this beautiful region was the Lake Resort Cromwell, Heritage's boutique hotel, located just a few minutes' drive outside the town of Cromwell.

At the end of a long day of adventures, be it a trip to the ski fields or just sightseeing, this villa was a lovely place to temporarily call home: it's brand new, it's beautifully appointed, and the staff on the front desk are full of suggestions.

Best of all: it has a full kitchen, because sometimes when you're travelling (especially if you're travelling with kids) you just want a meal you've made yourself.

... Actually, the bit about the kitchen being the best it is a lie. The actual best bit is the view from the waterfront balcony around sunset, when real life suddenly turns into a glorious pastel postcard (pictured above).

From Lake Resort there are plenty of attractions nearby – but only if you have a car. This region isn't easy to explore without your own transport. I picked up a (brand new) Mitsubishi Lancer from the friendly team at Redspot, which recently expanded into New Zealand, and hit the road.

Cromwell

Image: Cromwell Heritage Precinct

At first, Cromwell seems like a fairly unremarkable town — a smattering of houses, supermarkets, and not much else. But at the very end of town, on the shores of Lake Dunstan, is the famed old town. The heritage precinct, which is free to explore, recreates Cromwell's main street as it looked in the 19th century. It's highly recommended for a stroll and a coffee.

Queenstown

Image: Getty Images

Queenstown is the destination around these parts, and it's less than an hours' drive away from Cromwell through a scenic mountain route. (Be sure to stop in at the hydroelectric power station known as Roaring Meg — when you hear the noise of the water, you'll understand why.) For some of the must-do attractions in Queenstown, click here.

Wanaka

Image: Getty Images

In the other direction from Queenstown is Wanaka, a decidedly less pretentious (and less expensive) skiing hub. Like Queenstown, there's plenty to do here even when it's not snow season: it's an ideal base for both short and long hiking adventures, if you're keen to explore the landscape and pretend you're in Lord of the Rings.

If you're travelling with kids — or if you just like random destinations — stop in at Puzzling World, a small-scale amusement park rife with optical illusions, where the well-known illusion rooms will mess with your head. There's also a giant maze that – let's be real – will make you extremely frustrated and hangry when you get stuck in there. Fortunately, there are emergency quick-exits.

Lake Pukaki

Image: Getty Images

The Lancer got a solid workout on the drive north to check out this alpine lakes, about two hours' drive north of Cromwell. Lake Pukaki is especially well known for its gorgeous blue colour, a result of the "glacial flour" suspended in the water. Even on the greyest and most miserable day, Pukaki is a stunner (especially if it's clear enough to see out to Mount Cook), and photos really can't do it justice.

Last, but not least. Otago is one of the best-known wine regions in New Zealand, and the entire area around Cromwell is dotted with cellar doors. The ones particularly recommended by locals include Mt Difficulty, Bannockbrae Estate, and the Gibbston Valley Winery (en route to Queenstown). Just cross your fingers you're not the designated driver that day.